Center Yao Ming returned to Rockets practice Sunday, restricted by the bone bruise in his left ankle to the video session, riding the stationary bicycle and free throws but determined to be optimistic.

Yao, 30, learned last week that he would be out at least two more weeks, but he said he was relieved that the examination showed no complications in his surgically repaired foot.

"Be positive," Yao said. "It already happened. It could be a lot worse. At least that proves it was a very successful surgery in that area. We just need to deal with another injury."

Yao was concerned with how the time off will diminish his conditioning.

"It's definitely not enough," Yao said of the workouts permitted.

Here come the Suns

A handful of Rockets small forwards and shooting guards — Jared Jeffries, Shane Battier, Chase Budinger and Jermaine Taylor - went through long post defense drills after practice, a well-timed workout between the Raptors and Suns.

Budinger had a difficult time against Toronto's Linas Kleiza in the low post Friday, and the Rockets tonight face a Suns team that emphasizes the low-post play of Grant Hill and Jason Richardson.

"Our post defense at the wings hasn't been the best so far, so Jared and I wanted to show the young guys some of the tricks that we know, give them some things to think about when we're defending the post," Battier said.